Silver Award

National Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

This silver award is an important outcome for the University and our students. It is a powerful endorsement of a Leeds Beckett education, and our commitment to delivering an excellent professional education.

The nationwide Teaching Excellence Framework was introduced by the government to evaluate the quality of the undergraduate student experience, recognising excellent learning and teaching in universities. TEF awards institutions either a gold, silver or bronze ranking. There is also a fourth ranking of ‘a provisional award’ which identifies those organisations working towards a TEF ranking. The award of silver to Leeds Beckett recognises ‘the excellent outcomes for the University’s majority mode full-time students with regard to retention and progression to employment and further study’.

The University was praised for:

Its course design and assessment practices which enable students to develop transferable and professional skills.

The opportunities it creates for students to engage with professional practice through live project briefs and placements.

Its strategic focus on developing physical and digital learning resources.

Its institutional culture that facilitates, recognises and rewards excellent teaching, through high quality support for new tutors, systematic observation of teaching and a comprehensive development programme.

There is a culture here of sharing good practice, an openness to innovation and flexibility and a discipline of putting the student at the heart of curriculum development. It is hugely rewarding to see students become more confident and resilient throughout the course. I follow their development and share their enthusiasm for our profession for many years after they graduate.

Kate Grafton, Principal Lecturer in the School of Clinical and Applied Sciences and a Higher Education Academy National Teaching Fellow

Graduates reflect on their time at Leeds Beckett

Rhiannon Bates VIP Liaison and Press Officer, The Zoological Society of London

“Many of the lecturers come from the industry themselves, so they can spot and nurture talent. I’m now in a role where I’ve worked on two series of ITV documentary The Zoo, given David Beckham a tour and helped organise a gala dinner at which Usain Bolt was the guest of honour.”

"I've always wanted to use my compassion to care for people. My course taught me the communication and clinical skills needed to assess people's mental health and identify their needs. As a student, I had a lot of support, helpful placements, a great city with many career opportunities and strong job prospects anywhere in the world upon graduation."

Dan Ginger Account Manager, freuds, London

"The thing that put my degree above other Universities was being taught by industry professionals who were able to share their expertise and experiences of what it takes to succeed - it’s that insight that’s invaluable when you step into your first job and want to hit the ground running. The course significantly improved my knowledge and confidence of the industry, providing me with a great foundation to build on when working with major clients such as PepsiCo and Lexus."

Rob Green Performer and Recording Artist

Studied: BA (Hons) Art Event Performance

"My tutors were all practising artists and they really pushed me to develop myself within the current arts scene - I even negotiated a record deal that enabled me to release my EP after I graduated. One of my tracks was then named BBC 1Xtra Track of the Week. I’m now launching my third EP and every day my career is shaped by the varied skills I gained at University."

Paul Heckingbottom Head Coach, Barnsley Football Club

“I’ve been involved in professional football since leaving school and have more than 400 first-team appearances and a series of FA coaching qualifications under my belt, but I still wanted something more. Leeds Beckett showed me just how far my experience could take me, and with my enjoyment for studying going through the roof, I was keen to take it up a level and enrolled for my masters straight after my undergraduate degree. I now relate everything I learned on my course to my job - from planning coaching sessions and establishing a team structure to developing match tactics and, ultimately, improving the players.”

"My tutors were extremely knowledgeable about their subject and brought real-life examples into the classroom to support my learning. I’m now in a role that offers exciting opportunities for me to build up my professional experience."

"My course gave me a firm grounding in the science of nutrition. I was able to refine my knowledge and skills on my placements, and this strong practical focus ensured I felt really confident when I started work straight after graduating. Studying sociology and psychology alongside science gave me a real insight into the social factors that influence nutrition. Working in communities, this understanding has proved invaluable."

Saiema Sarwar Trainee Solicitor, hlw Keeble Hawson LLP

“I have always been drawn to law and my course opened up a lot of opportunities. My tutors were brilliant and introduced me to a number of extracurricular activities, such as LexisNexis training, the Street Law Society and Legal Launch Pad programme. All these experiences helped me gain a first class degree and provided the perfect platform for my career.”

Kamila Tobola Graduate Landscape Artist, Gillespies

“My course gave me the opportunity to explore my natural curiosity and creativity, and it helped to shape my graphic style. More importantly, I was able to develop a real confidence in my work. I was introduced to the professional world through guest lectures and via my tutors, who are still involved in industry. Through these links, I was introduced to Gillespies and invited for interview with two fellow students. I always loved channelling my artistic flair and combining it with a technical approach in the design of landscapes, and now I get to do this for a living.”